Hot drink maker and vending machine



June 26, 1951 KNAPP 2,558,522

HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING uAcmNE Filed Feb. 28, 1945 9 smu -sheet 1 a i 25 2. ATTOENEK June '26, 1951 J. H. KNAPP 2,558,522

HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 28, 1945 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 I wauvmvron. c/asgah A TTUE/VEK June 26, 1951 HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 28, 1945 J. H. KNAPP 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 L //7 7 w dz/aa INVENTOR. e/osepk M 4474/30 ATTORNEY- June 26, 1951 J. H. KNAPP HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 28, 1945 nrromvx June 25, 1951 J. H. KNAPP 2,558,522

HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fild Feb. 28, 1945 INVENTOR.

t/asep/r hf Map 0 ATTORNEY.

J. H. KNAPP 2,558,522

HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 June 26, 1951 Filed Feb 28, 1945 INVEN TOR. Joseph M Mid 0,0

June 26, 1951 J. H. KNAPP HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Feb. 28, 1945 '""WIIIIIIIIII/IIIIW INVENTOR. doaep/z h. Ma a 0 BY 1/ HTTOKNEK J. H. KNAPP HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE June 26, 1951 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 28. 1945 p w M HTTOKNEY June 26, 1951 J. H. KNAPP HOT DRINK uAKER AND VENDING MACHINE 9 Stieets-Sheat 9 Filed Feb. 28, 1945 uvvmvron Joseph H 14 040,

A TTORNE Patented June 26, 1951 imiiizo STATES PATENT OFFICE HOT DRINK MAKER AND VENDING MACHINE Joseph H. Knapp, Kansas City, Mo., assignor, by

direct and mesne assignments, to C. Earl Hovey, Kansas City, Mo., as trustee Application February 28, 1945, Serial No. 580,253

4 Claims. 225-21) This invention relates to the art of preparing hot drinks from two or more component ingredi cuts, and has for its primary aim the provision One of the primary objects of this inventio'ii is to provide a hot drink maker and vending majchine whereby drinks having various selected' chacteristics may be produced at the whim and i desire of the operator, such drinks being made through a sequence of steps that continuously occur after the equipment has been set to estabe lish the type of drink and a starting mechanism has been actuated. I i-f A still further and important object of this invention is to provide a drink making machine having the aforementioned characteristics and wherein is included novel, unique, efficient and relatively inexpensive mechanism and apparatus for automatically producing the drink after the machine has been put into operation. v

Further and more specific objects of the instant invention are to provide a decocting machine for drinks such ashot cofiee, hot chocolate, hot bouillon or other liquid foods produced by infusion, which machine is capable of performing a series of successive steps in a given cycle without attention of the customer or operator other than to pre-select the nature of the drink desired.

The machine embodying the invention is further capable of continuous automatic operation after being set into motion to complete the steps of (a) depositing a container in the decoction chamber; (1)) introducing a stirringimplement into the container; (0) depositing one or more ingredients into the container; (d) supplying liquid of a predetermined temperature, capable of dissolving the ingredients in the container; (e) ventilating the .decoction chamber simultaneously as a compartment within the machine is evacuated of air; and (f) discontinuing the ventilating equipment upon removal of the container from within the decoction chamber.

Other objects of the invention include specific :details of construction, all of which contribute portion of the cabinet, illustrating the means for selecting the type of drink to be made.

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the upper portion of the drink making machine, with the I front wall removed.

Fig. 4 is a transverse cross sectional view taken on line IV-IV of Fig. 3, and looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view with a part of the wall broken away to reveal parts within the case.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional I view taken on line VI--VI of Fig. 4.

chanical features of the equipment in an unique Fig. 7 is a detailed fragmentary sectional view taken on substantially the irregular horizontal line VII-VII of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the operating apparatus for the valves in the outlet ports of the ingredient reservoirs.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line IX-IX of Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is a detailed fragmentary sectional view taken on line XX of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the ingredient reservoirs entirely removed from association with the remaining portion of the machine and illustrating the manner in which the actual container for the ingredient is-constructed and assembled with that part having the outlet port formed therein.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line IHL-XII of Fig. 6.

Fig. 13 is a condensed side elevational view of the stirring implement feeding mechanism and magazine therefor.

Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view taken on line XIVXIV of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an inverted lower end view of the stirring implement magazine shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the implement feeding mechanism.

Fig. 17 is a. fragmentary sectional view taken on line XVIIXVII of Fig. 13.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged vertical central sectional view through the liquid boiler.

Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view taken on line XIX-XIX of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line XXXX of Fig. 19.

Fig. 2111s a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the electrical apparatus constituting a portion of the drinkmaker and vending machine.

Fig..22 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through one of the ingredient reservoirs, illustrating the manner of supporting the ingreclient units therein; and Fig. 23 is a cross sectional view taken on line XXIIII-XXIII of Fig. 22.

Case '24 within which is housed the operating parts of the machine made to embody the present invention may assume the contour and appearance of that illustrated in Fig. 1. Since the equipment is usable in locations having widely varying characteristics, it is obvious that a case 24 should be constructed to meet point of location conditions.

The interior of the case is made accessible through door 26 constituting substantially the entire front wall and through which is formed openings 28 affording access to space 30 within the case 24 below transverse partition 32.

Swi ging doors 34 closing each opening 28 respectively, bear the notation Drop used containers here and when the machine is on location where the public becomes the operator thereof, the used containers or paper container 36 may be depoisted in space 30 through these openings 28. Another opening 38 formed through door 26 permits free access to the decoction chamber 40 established by a housing 42 that rests upon partition 32.

That portion of partition 32 defining the floor of decoction chamber 40 is dished and equipped with a foraminous area 44 through which any liquid may pass into space 30 in the event container 36 overflows or if some of the ingredients drop from the outlet ports, hereinafter to be more fully described.

The entire panel 46 carried by door 26 supports a manually manipulable knob 48 and a pointer 50. The latter sweeps over a number of well defined areas of panel 46 within which is contained matter descriptive of the character of drink which will be produced by the machine when the pointer rests in a given position. Area 52 has the notation Black coffee thereon; area 54 carries the notation Cofiee with cream area 56 has the wording Coffee with cream and sugar; area 51 has the notation Cofiee with sugar thereon; and area 58 has the indicia Hot chocola Directions for operating the machine are also found on panel 46 which is adjacent to the open end of coin chute E.

Knob 48 carries the hereinafter more fully described contact plates 200 and 202, and as the knob is turned these plates will be likewise shifted to cause the selected drink to be produced after a coin is introduced through chute E.

The mechanism and apparatus within case 24 is rigidly mounted in place either upon the frame of the case 24, the horizontal partition 32, or partition 60. The interior of case '24 may be further partitioned to segregate several ingredient reservoirs 68 from other parts, if desired. These reservoirs 68 are of similar character and the same are clustered around a support rod extending from partition 60 to the top of case 24.

Reservoirs 68 are preferably tubular in form and constructed of glass, plastic or some substance that will be sanitary and capable of being sterilized when refilling is necessary.

A cap I2 closes the upper end of each reservoir 68 and a. vent 14 insures the introduction of air into the reservoir 98, and therefore, the flow of the ingredient therefrom. The lower ends of reservoirs 99 nest into a head I6 provided with a slide 18 with a, perforation 80 therethrough that may be shifted to and from a location in registed with outlet port 92. For convenience in loading, head 16 is attached to the lower end of reservoir 69 and slide I8 is closed to confine the ingredients within reservoir 68.

I9 and after the reservoir 68 is poistioned as collar 84, a fixture 88 on rod 10 is brought into engagement with a band 90 circumscribing the upper portion of the reservoir 58. Thus, replacing the reservoirs 69 is rendered easy and possible by merely opening door 25 and lifting the reservoirs 68 after screw 86 has been loosened.

Sliding valve 92 mounted upon the lowermost face of partition 90 controls the passage of ingredient from each reservoir 68 respectively, as slide 18 is shifted to the open position, as viewed at the left in Fig. 6. A small detent 94 on slide 18 yieldably maintains the slide in the closed position. This detent 94 comprises not only the portion shown in the edge of the slide I8 as illustrated in Fig. 11, but a conventional spring loaded ball confined within head I6 and below screw 96.

Each of the four reservoirs 68 illustrated in the form of invention chosen for description, contains a different ingredient which is fed into structure for directing the ingredients from the reservoirs 68, and hot liquid from the hereinafter described boiler into container 36. This structure is clearly illustrated in Fig. 9 and includes a depending, frusto-conical member 98 and a similar element I00. The latter element is mounted upon the .uppermost wall forming decoction chamber 40, through the medium of spring fingers I02, the flexing whereof will permit easy removal of element I00 for cleaning. Member 98 has a gate I04 movable to and from a closed position by solenoid 290 in a manner to be more fully hereinafter described.

Each valve 92 is operably associated with a solenoid in the electrical circuit illustrated in Fig. 21. Solenoid 322 controls valve 92 to feed colfee through member 99 when the valve is in that position illustrated in Fig. 6. Solenoid 434 is operably associated with the valve 92 of the reservoir 68 which contains sugar. Solenoid 428 is joined to valve 92 controlling the passage of cream from reservoir 69, and solenoid 440 is operably joined to valve 92 controlling the passage of chocolate from a reservoir 68.

Each valve 92 is radially disposed as illustrated in Fig. 8, and is substantially L-shaped to provide a lug I06 to which is attached one end of the reciprocating core of the aforesaid associated solenoids. The conventional coil spring wound around each core yieldably maintains the associated valve 92 in the closed position when the respective solenoids are not energized.

A stop I08 rides in slot H0 in one leg of the L-shaped valve 92 and the apertured end of valve 92 is closed by yoke I I2 positioned as clearly illustrated in Figs. 6 and 12. The aperture in valve 92 is, of course, of a size to feed a charge of ingredient of suitable volume and when the ingredients are powdered, the aperture in valve 92 becomes a measure for the ingredient fed. When the ingredient is formed as hereinafter to be more fully set forth and as shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the aperture in valve 92 need be only large enough to receive the ingredient units.

Member 99 and element I00 are in alignment with container 36 when it rests upon the foraminous area 44 of partition 32 that forms the fioor for the decoction chamber 40. Container 38 reaches the position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 9 through a chute II4 entering chamber 40 from the container feeding unit III; of container magazine 8. This container feeding unit is of conventional character in that containers 36 are fed one at a time in response to the movement of lever I in one direction. Solenoid 268 operably connected to lever I20 will shift the lever to the container feeding position when the said solenoid is energized and solenoid 284 will withdraw lever I20 to the set position when that solenoid is energized in a manner more fully described herein when referring to the wiring diagram illustrated in Fig. 21. Bracket I22 insures that container 36 will remain in an upright condition after it has been fed through chute II4.

Container magazine III is of the conventional type, obtainable on the open market, and includes a number of stacks of containers 36 arranged in an annular path about the vertical axis of the magazine II8, whereon is disposed shaft I24. A clock-type spring I26 is wound around shaft I24, has one end anchored thereto, while the other end is secured to a stationary part of the machine such as partition 60. This spring I26 exerts force upon shaft I24 to urge magazine II8 around the axis thereof to successively position the stacks of containers 36 over the upper end of chute II4 where the containers will drop into unit II6 to be fed one at a time. As containers 36 in each stack respectively, are fed through chute H4 and the stack depleted, trigger 404 will move about its pivotal support to close the circuit through contacts 400 and 402. When this condition is established, the next succeeding stacks of containers 36 will be moved to a position above unit II6 by solenoid 398 having connection to shaft I24 through conventional escapement mechanism I28, to allow spring I26 to function as above set down.

A cam M4 on shaft I24 actuates switch 2 when no more containers 36 are available, and under such conditions as will be more fully described when referring to the electrical diagram in Fig. 21, lamp422 will burn behind a window I30 to display the words sold out." At this juncture, coin chute E will be blocked to return any deposited coin, token or similar article, back to the customer. Lamp 422 will illuminate the "sold on sign and the proprietor of the equipment can immediately refill the magazine II8 with containers 36.

Stirring implements are automatically dropped into container 36 as the machine passes through one complete cycle. Flat wooden spoons that may be stacked in a magazine I 32 have been found advantageous and because of the space occupied, magazine I32 is made to present a pair of compartments I34 wherein the stirring implements I 36 are stored for use one at a time. Solenoid 216 feeds implements I36 from compartment I34 as it is energized to draw slide I38 from the position shown in Fig. 17. Solenoid 216 is joined to slide I38 by suitable linkage, generally designated by the numeral I40, and upon energization of solenoid 216, slide I38 will be shifted inwardly to position an implement I36 into chute I42 leading into decoction chamber 40. Slot I44 communicates with chute I42 and is long enough to receive implements I36. As they travel downwardly through chute I42, one end will enter container 36 and the implement will assume an upright position therein. I

A follower block I46 having a groove I48 therein will permit spring loaded arm I50 to close switch I52 when the implements I36 in one compartment I34 have all been fed therefrom. This switch I52 is electrically connected to solenoid 216 and when operated, will remove solenoid 216 from the implement feeding circuit and substitute solenoid I64 therefor. This solenoid I64 is joined by suitable linkage I56 to slide I50 controlling the feeding of implements I36 from the compartment in the magazine I32 opposite to the compartment having the follower block I46 therein. The number of implements I36 is substantially greater than the number of containers 36, and therefore, when the supp of containers 36 is replenished a re-loading of magazine I32 may occur, to the end that an adequate supply of implements I36 will always be available.

The compartments I34 within magazine I32 are formed substantially as shown in Fig. 14, and to conform in cross sectional contour to the areas of the stirring implements that are used. The feeding of these implements I36 occurs immediately after a container 36 has been deposited in decoction chamber 40 and before any ingredients or hot liquid is released.

The means for introducing hot liquid into container 36, must be capable of supplying a substantially constant flow of hot water or other liquid, from which the drinks are made and that comprises the vehicle for the ingredients without attention from the operator. I

The liquid boiler H is positioned in case 24 at a place shown clearly in Fig. 4. The boiler has an outer tank I60 within which is an inner tank I62 provided with a tubular, perforated riser I64 located on the axis of inner tank I62. A transverse partition I66 near the bottom of inner tank I62, sets off a chamber I68 into which the liquid entering the boiler through pipe I10 first passes in its cycle of fiow through the heating equipment.

Pipe I10 is connected to any suitable source of supply, such, for instance, as the city water system or the said pipe I10 may be joined to a tank of liquid mounted within case 24 or at any point accessible.

Heating element 448 underlies that portion of nel provided in the floor of chamber I68. This channel is near the wall of inner tank I62, as illustrated in Fig. 18. A baflle wing I overlies the open end of pipe I10. Outlet or feed pipe I82 communicates with the uppermost part of inner tank I62 and'extends downwardly through the space between inner and outer tank I62 and I60 respectively, and directly to valve W C011? trolled by solenoid-336. From valve W pipe I82 extends to a point within element I00, as clearly shown in Fig. 9.

A thermostat 450 mounted within chamber I68 maintains the temperature of the liquid in chamber I68 within a range suitable for efficient operation of the machine. This thermostat 450 controls the flow of current to heating element 448 through wires 452, 456 and 454.

A liquid boiler made as just illustrated and described, is capable of supplying water for the production of hot coffee or hot chocolate as fast as the machine is commercially operated, and when the hot liquid passes into container 3'5 through pipe I82, the steam arising is handled to not only protect the overlying parts of the machine, but to evacuate decoction chamber 45 and thereby prevent condensation.

Fan F is'mounted within case 24 where the reservoirs for the ingredients are disposed. Since access:

it has been found practicable to use powdered ingredients, any moisture that may collect in case 24 would be objectionable, and therefore, such steam as is generated in chamber 40 should be blown therefrom. Slot I84 formed in the wall of chamber 40 is in communication with a conduit I86 operably associated with fan F, as illustrated in Fig. 5. A squirrel cage type fan may be preferable, and therefore, the fan F shown may be altered to suit conditions.

Fan F is in case 24, and therefore, such air as is blown through conduit I86 will be evacuated from this case to establish adequate ventilation. The blast of air directed through slot I84 will waft the rising steam forwardly and into the space in front of the vending machine, where the operator is usually standing. This action will allow the operator to detect the odor of the drink as it is being made and before the container 36 is actually removed from the decoction chamber 40.

Gate I04 will open just before the ingredients are fed through member 98 and will close after they have been dropped. The closing of this gate I04 is therefore, prior to the introduction of hot liquid into container 36-therefore, no rising steam will enter member 98 even in the absence of the blast of air which is created through slot I84.

The container 36 having the drink therein, rests upon the floor of chamber 40 and between windows I88 and I90 adjacent to which are disposed exciting lamp L and hotoelectric cell 392. A beam of light from lamp L to cell 392 is broken by the presence of container 36 when it rests in the position shown in Fig. 9. This beam will be completed when container 36 with the prepared drink is removed by the customer or operator of the equipment. The photoelectric cell assembly PC will then come into play as hereinafter set down, to break the circuit to fan F and extinguish lamp L. The fan circuit and the light circuit were closed as hot liquid was passed through pipe I82 by virtue of the opening of valve W.

The ingredient reservoirs illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23, are made in accordance with a modified form of the invention. This reservoir 600 carries a spirally arranged ramp 602 mounted on shaft 604. The ingredient units 606 are powdered and compressed, having a coating-of soluble substance thereover to maintain the unitary condition and to prevent deterioration. These units are fed one at a time through the valves 82 of the outlet ports, and the entire unit is soluble in the liquid passing from the boiler H to container 36.

The temperature of the liquid in the boiler H is maintained at a point where it will dissolve the units 606 by thermostat 450. The temperature of the liquid emanating from boiler H should always be great enough to quickly dissolve the ingredients forming a part of the drink.

In the normal operation of the machine, a oin, token or the like, is introduced through coin chute E after pointer 50-has been moved to the area having the description thereof of the drink desired. A container 36 will assume the position shown in Fig. 3, after which a stirring implement I36 will drop thereinto through chute I42. Gate I04 will next be shifted to the open position to allow the passage of the ingredients from reservoir 68 through member 98 and into container 36. Gate I04 will be closed as hot liquid passes through pipe I82. Simultaneously with these last two steps in the sequence of mechanical operations, fan F will commence its function of evacuating case 24 and directing a blast of air through slot I84. When the operator removes the filled container 36, the fan will stop, and lamp L will be extinguished, whereupon the machine is in condition for reseting.

The sequence of mechanical operations Just above described, are accompanied by electrical operations in addition to those mentioned. All of these electrical actions of the machine may be understood by reference to Fig. 21, schematically illustrating the electrical circuit forming a part of the equipment.

The manually operable switch S comprises a movable contact plate 200 arcuate in form and provided with a salient 202 of segmental form and of such width as to span the distance between certain of the radially disposed contact fingers 204, 206, 208, 2I0 and 2I2. The length of contact fingers 204 and 206 is such as to have their inner ends ride over the arcuate contact plate 200, and the length of contact fingers 208, M0 and M2 is such as to cause the same to be engageable only by the salient 202, integral with contact plate 200.

Program switch P is controlled by motor M and it is this switch that closes appropriate circuits to feed the containers 36, stirring implements I36, the ingredients from the aforesaid reservoirs 68, and the hot water through valve W from the hereinabove described boiler H. Sweep arm 2I4 is driven by motor M and is formed of conducting material to join annular, continuous contact plate 2zI6 and contact segments 2I8, 220, 222, 224 and 2 6.

The machine is constructed to operate from commercial power lines by being plugged into a conventional outlet, not here shown. When so connected, solenoid 380 is energized to open chute E. The circuit energizing this solenoid 380 is traced as follows:

From power line 232 through wires 234 and 382, solenoid 380, wire 384, and normally closed contacts 386 and 364, and wire 366 to power line 246.

Assume now that the machine is set to prepare and make ready for consumption by the customer, a cup of cofiee without cream or sugar, but, as is always the case, with a stirring implement I36 in a container 36. Switch S is set as shown in the wiring diagram and a coin is dropped through chute E to momentarily bring together contacts 228 and 230. When such occurs, a circuit is closed to drop a container 36, after which the machine continues to automatically operate until a cycle has been completed. Relay R-I must first be closed and the circuit for accomplishing this act is traced as follows:

From power line 232 through wires 234 and 236, contacts 228 and 230, wire 238, resistor 240, coil 242 of relay R-I, and wire 244 to power line 246.

With relay R-I thus closed, motor M will operate to move sweep arm 2I4 from the point where it came to rest at the end of the last cycle of operation, in the direction of the arrow. Relay R.--I is sealed-in or closed to insure energization of its coil through the following circuit:

From power line 232 through wire 248, closed contacts 250 and 252 of relay R-I, wire 254, re-

sistor 240, coil 242, and wire 244 to power line 246..

The motor circuit is closed to actuate motor M through relay RI, and this motor circuit is traced as follows:

From power line 232 through wires 248 and 256,

closed contacts 258 and 268, wire 262, motor M. wires 264 and 266 to power line 246. The motor M will continue to rotate so long as contacts 258 and 268 are closed. Motor M stops when sweep arm 2 I4 reaches segment 226 causing de-energization of relay R-I. When sweep arm 2 I4 leaves segment 2| 8, solenoid 268 is de-energized.

Now that motor M has started, sweep arm 2I4 will travel in the direction of the arrow to interconnect contact segment 2I8 with plate 2I6 and thereby energize solenoid 268 for the purpose of feeding a cup from the magazine II8 thereof. The circuit for energizing solenoid 268 is closed as follows:

From power line 246through wire 218, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 2I8, wire 212, solenoid 268, wires 213 and 214 to power line 232.

A container 36 having been dropped, sweep arm 2 travels to contact segment 228 where a circuit is closed to feed a stirring implement I36 and another circuit is closed to withdraw the feeding arm of magazine I I8. The steam deflecting gate I84 is also moved to an open position at this juncture. The circuit for energizing solenoid 216 to drop a stirring implement I36, is closed as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 228, wires 218 and 288, solenoid 216, and wire 282 to power line 232.

Simultaneously with the dropping of stirring implement I36, arm I28 of magazine H8 is withdrawn to the normal position or set point by energizing solenoid 284 through the following circuit:

From power line 246, wire 218, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2 I4, segment 228, wire 286, solenoid 284, wires 288 and 214 to power line 232.

The gate I 84 is opened at this juncture by energizing solenoid 288, the circuit for which is through relay R3, and therefore, this relay must first have its points closed and be sealed-in before solenoid 288 can be energized. The circuit closing relay R--3 is traced as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 228, wires 218, 282 and 294, coil 286, wire 288, resistor 388, and wire 382 to power line 232.

Relay R3 is sealed-in through the following circuit:

From power line 246, wires 266 and 384, closed contacts 386 and 388, wires 3I8 and 284, coil 286, wire 288, resistor 388, wire 382 to power line 232. Contacts 386 and 288 will also maintain solenoids 216 and 284 in the energized condition until sweep arm 2 I 4 strikes segment 284.

Now that relay R-3 has been closed and sealed-in, solenoid 288 is energized to open gate I84 through the following circuit:

From power line 246, wires 266, 384 and 3I2, closed contacts 3| 4 and 3I6, wire 3| 8, solenoid 288, and wire 328 to power line 232.

Thus, the circuit just completed, will open the gate to permit the ingredients to pass from reservoirs 68 and into the dropped container 36. This gate remains open until hot water starts to pour into container 36 through feed pipe I82.

As the movement of sweep arm 2 I4 continues to engage contact segment 222, a measured quantity of coffee or a coffee unit is dropped into the previously deposited container 36, solenoid 32 actuates sliding valve 82 to feed a quantity of coffee, and the circuit to energize this solenoid is closed as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2| 6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 222, wire 324, finger 10 286, salient 282, finger 284, wire 326, solenoid 322, and wires 328, 338, 332 and 334 to power line 232.

The closing of this circuit feeds a charge of coffee into container 36 from reservoir 68 or 688, as the case may be, and the continuous movement of sweep arm 2 I4 carries the same to contact segment 224, whereupon hot water is caused to pour into container 36, gate I84 is closed, lamp L of photoelectric assembly PC is caused to burn, and fan F is started.

Assuming now that the sweep arm 2I4 has touched segment 224, the circuit energizing solenoid 336 to open valve W and feed a charge of hot liquid into the deposited container 36 is closed as follows: H

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 224, wires 338, 348 and 342, solenoid 336, and wire 344 to power line 232.

To close the circuits feeding lamp L and fan F, relay 13-2 is closed and sealed-in. The circuit for closing relay R2 is as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2I6,sweep arm 2 I4, segment 224,wires 338,348 and 346, contacts 348 and 358,.wire 352, resistor 354, wire 355, coil 356 of relay R-2, and wire 356 to power line 232.

This relay R.--2 is sealed-in through the following circuit:

From power line 232 through wire 358, coil 356, wire 355, resistor 354, wire 368, contacts 362 and 364, and wire 366 to power line 246.

Now that relay R2 has been sealed-in, the circuit to start the motor of fan F is continued immediately. The fan circuit which is closed to cause fan F to continue its operation, is traced as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 366, closed contacts 364 and 362, wire 368, 368 and 318, fan F, and wire 312 to power line 232.

The exciting lamp L is caused to continue to burn through the following circuit:

From power line 246 through wire 366, closed contacts 364 and 362, wires 368, 368 and 314, lamp L, and wire 316 to power line 232.

As sweep arm 2I4 first comes into engagement with segment 224, relay R-3 is de-energized to open its contacts 3I4 and 3I6. This de-energization of relay R3 occurs to de-energize solenoid 288, allowing spring 225 to re-close gate I84 through the following circuit:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 224, wires 338, 318 and 288, coil 286, wires 284 and 3I8, closed contacts 388 and 386, and wires 386 and 266'to power line 246.

Simultaneously, solenoids 216 and 284 are deenergized to allow their return to normal position. At the same time that the actions just described occur and as sweep arm 2| 4 is on se ment 224, solenoid 388 is de-energized to close coin chute E and cause the return of any deposited coin or the like, if such should be dropped. This de-energization allows spring 38I to move the bar of solenoid 388 to a position shown in dotted lines of Fig. 21. Solenoid 388 is energized as above set forth, throughout the time the machine is connected to a source of supply, excepting when a sold out condition prevails as hereinafter described, and from the time hot liquid starts entering the container 36 until the container is removed from its place in decoction chamber 48.

Solenoid 388 is de-energized when the machine is disconnected from a source of supply, and,

routed out through chute E.

therefore, spring 38l will cause the plunger of solenoid 388 to move to a position where coinsare Solenoid 388 is de-energized as sweep arm 2l4 strikes segment 224, causing relay R2 to be energized, thereby opening contacts 364 and 386 and breaking the circuit to de-energize solenoid 388.

Whensweep arm 2l4 leaves segment 224, solenoid 336 controlling liquid valve W, is de-energized. The amount of liquid poured into container 36 is therefore, determined b the length of segment 224 and speed of program switch P.

The pouring of hot liquid into container 36 will not be detrimental to the overlying parts of the machine because steam cannot pass beyond gate I84, all as above clearly set down.

The continuedmovement of sweep arm 2 I 4 draws the same into contact with segment 226, whereupon relay Rl is de-energized to open contacts 258 and 268 of relay Rr-I. This de-energization of relay R| occurs through the following circult:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2l6, sweep arm 2I4, segment 226, wires 388 and 398, coil 242, and wire 244 to power line 246.

When contacts 258 and 268 are opened by deenergizing relay R-l, the circuit to motor M is broken to discontinue it operation and cause program switch P to come to rest with sweep arm 2 between segments 218 and 226.

When the customer removes filled container 36 from its position in decoction chamber 48, beam B is completed. This beam is directed from lamp L to photoelectric cell 392 of photoelectric cell assembly PC. Such assembly is of conventional type, obtainable on the open market, and has a single pole relay with contacts 394 and 396 normally open. When beam B is completed, points 394 and 396 are closed to complete a circuit for the performance of de-energizing relay R-Z. This de-energization opens contacts 362 and 364 to break the circuit for fan F and lamp L at the same time contacts 364 and 386 re-close, causing re-energization of solenoid 388 to open coin chute E to receive another coin, token or the like, not here shown.

Photoelectric cell 392 of assembly PC receives current so long as the machine is connected to a source of supply. The conventional lines from assembly PC are connected to power lines 232 and 246 in any desired manner.

Solenoid 398 is used to move magazine I [8 stepby-step as the stacks of containers 36 are depleted. Current is supplied to this solenoid 398 through a switch having contacts 488 and 482. This switch is operated by lever 484, held in the open position by containers 36 in the stacks when they are in the position to feed containers through chute H4. When a stack of containers 36 is depleted and trigger 484 actuates contacts 488 and 482 to a closed condition, solenoid 398 is energized through the following circuit:

From power line 232, wire 486, closed contacts 482 and 488, wire 488, solenoid 398, and wire 8 to power line 246. When a new stack of containers 36 appears, contacts 482 and 488 will again be opened.

Main switch 2 is operated by cam 4 when the cup magazine 8 has completed one revolution to empty all stacks therein. This cam, there-.

fore, opens contacts 6 and H8 and closes contacts M6 and 428 to de-energize power line 232 and light sold out" lamp 422 respectively. Note that such breaking of line 232 from its source of power de-energizes solenoid 388 and a coin wil fl 12 returned through chute E if it is dropped into chute E. The circuit for lamp 422 is traced as follows, when contacts M6 and 428 are closed:

From power line 23! (being a section of power line 232 which has not been de-energized) closed contacts 6 and 428, wire 424, lamp 422, and wire 426 to power line 246.

Heater element 448 of boiler H is also in that portion of the circuit allowing current to pass to element 448 which is controlled by thermostat 458. The heater circuit is as follows:

From power line 23! through wire 252, thermostat 458, wire 454, element 448, and wire 456 to power line 246.

Magazine H8 must be refilled with containers 36 to actuate switch 2 and as the magazine is refilled, it is turned about its axis to operate cam M4 to a position where it releases contact 4l6 from contact 428 and causes contact 6 to engage contact 4 l 8.

Switch S is in the position for preparing a cup of hot coffee without cream or sugar when in the condition illustrated in the wiring diagram of Fig. 21.

The description of the various circuits indicates the manner in which the necessary amount of coffee is fed from reservoir 68 and it will now be assumed that the purchaser desires to procure a cup of hot coffee having cream added thereto. Under such conditions, contact plate 280 will be moved in the direction of the arrow to the point where salient 282 will come into engagement with finger 288. With this setting, the switch S has interconnected fingers 284, 286 and 288. Solenoid 428 will then, therefore, be energized when sweep arm 2l4 reaches segment 222. This energization of solenoid 428 opens valve 92 controlling the fiow of cream in either liquid or powedered form, from reservoir 68 thereof, at the same time that solenoid 322 is energized to feed the requisite amount of coffee. Thus, two ingredients are simultaneously fed just prior to the introduction of hot liquid, such as water, into thedropped container 36. The circuit closing solenoid 322 has previously been traced. The circuit closin solenoid 428 as sweep arm M4 is on segment 222, is as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 218, plate 2l6, sweep arm 2|4, segment 222, wire 324, finger 286, salient 282, finger 288, wire 438, solenoid 428, and wires 432, 332 and 334 to power line 232.

Assuming now that the purchaser is desirous of obtaining a cup of hot coffee having both cream and sugar therein. Plate 288 with its integral salient 282 will be moved a step further in the direction of the arrow, to cause salient 282 to contact finger 2l8 as well as fingers 288, 286 and 284. Again when sweep arm 2|4 reaches segment 222 for the purpose of dropping the constituents of the drink from reservoirs 68, solenoid 436 will be energized to feed a quantity of sugar at the same time the coflee and cream are deposited in container 36. The circuit closin solenoid 434 is as follows:

From power line 246, wire 218, plate 2|6, sweep arm 2l4, segment 222, wire 324, finger 286, plate 288, salient 282, finger 2I8, wire 436, solenoid 434, and wires 438 and 334 to power line 232.

If the customer desires a cup of coffee with sugar therein and without cream, contact 280 is moved still further in the direction of the arrow and to a point where finger 218 will be engaged by salient 282 and fingers 284 and 286 will be engaged by contact 288-thus, th finger 288 which supplies cream is not engaged in anywise by either contact 200 or 202. Under such conditions, solenoid 434 and solenoid 322 will be simultaneously energized to feed sugar and coffee respectively. Circuits to both solenoid 434 and solenoid 322 have been traced above.

An additional hot drink may be obtained by further manipulating switch S to the extent of moving contact 200 around in the direction of the arrow to a point where salient 202 engages finger 212. When in this condition, finger 206 is engaged by plate 200 but finger 204 is between the ends thereof and not in contact therewith. Likewise, fingers 208 and 2l0 are not in engagement with salient 202. With the connection thus made by the operator, solenoid 440 is energized to feed a quantity of chocolate into the dropped container 36 when sweep arm 2l4 reaches contact plate 22. The circuit closing solenoid 440 is traced as follows:

From power line 246 through wire 210, plate 2I6, sweep arm 2l4, segment 222, wire 324, finger 206, contact plate 200, salient 202, finger 2l2, wire 442, solenoid 440, and wires 444, 330, 332 and 334 to power line 232.

Contact plate 200 is moved with respect to fingers 204 to H2 inclusive, by grasping knob 40 to cause point 50 to sweep over areas 52, 54, 56, 51 and 58, all of which have indicia thereon for the purpose of clarifying to the operator the exact type of drink which will be produced when the coin is dropped.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as, new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a hot drink making machine of the character described, a plurality of reservoirs for drink ingredients; a dispensing mechanism for each reservoir respectively; an electrically operable actuating element for each dispensing mechanism respectively; a selector switching device having a plurality of fixed contacts, each being electrically connected to a respective one of said actuating elements, and a manually manipulable contact plate engageable with each of said contacts or two or more simultaneously; a supply circuit having said fixed contacts and said actuating element interposed therein; and means for closing the supply circuit through said contact plate, the fixed contacts engaged thereby, and corresponding actuating elements for dispensing certain of said ingredients upon prior selection thereof by manipulation of the said contact plate.

2. In a hot drink making machine of the character described, a plurality of reservoirs for drink ingredients; a dispensing mechanism for each reservoir respectively; an electrically operable actuating element for each dispensing mechanism respectively; a selector switching device having a plurality of fixed contacts, each being electrically connected to a respective one of said actuating elements, and a manually manipulable contact plate engageable with each of said contacts or two or more simultaneously; a supply circuit having saidfixed contacts and said actuating elements interposed therein; a motor driven switch for closing the supply circuit through said contact plate, the fixed contacts engaged thereby, and corresponding actuating elements for dispensing certain of said ingredients upon prior selection thereof by manipulation of the said contact plate; means including a coin receiving device for initiating energization of said motor upon reception of 14 the coin; and means for maintaining energization of the motor independently of said coin.

3. In a hot drink making machine of the character described, a plurality of reservoirs for drink ingredients; a dispensing mechanism for each reservoir respectively; an electrically operable actuating element for each dispensing mechanism respectively; a selector switching device having a plurality of fixed contacts, each being electrically connected to a respective one of said actuating elements, and a manually manipulable contact plate engageable with each of said contacts or two or more simultaneously; a supply circuit having said fixed contacts and said actuating elements interposed therein; a motor driven switch for closing the supply circuit through said contact plate, the fixed contacts engaged thereby, and corresponding actuating elements for dispensing certain of said ingredients upon prior selection thereof by manipulation of the said contact plate; a circuit for the motor; a relay in the circuit; means including a coin receiving device for initiating energization of the relay to close the motor circuit upon reception of the coin; and a holding circuit closed by the relay to maintain the relay energized for continued operation of the motor.

4. In a hot drink making machine of the character described, a plurality of reservoirs for drink ingredients; a dispensing mechanism for each reservoir respectively; an electrically operable actuating element for each dispensing mechanism respectively; a selector switching device having a plurality of fixed contacts, each being electrically connected to a respective one of said actuating elements, and a manually manipulable contact plate engageable with each of said contacts or two or more simultaneously; a supply circuit having said fixed contacts and said actuating elements interposed therein; means for closing the supply circuit through said contact plate, the fixed contacts engaged thereby, and corresponding actuating elements for dispensing certain of said ingredients upon prior selection thereof by manipulation of the said contact plate; a boiler adapted to contain a hot liquid and having a valved outlet port; an electromagnet for actuating said valve; and a circuit therefor, said means having parts for momentarily closing said electromagnet circuit for dispensing a quantity of hot liquid during each cycle of operation of said machine.

JOSEPH H. KNAPP.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,183,557 Hall May 16, 1916 1,199,065 Frltsche Sept. 26, 1916 1,465,122 Frick Aug. 14, 1923 1,777,670 Hausman Oct. 7, 1930 1,911,151 Halstead et a1 May 23, 1933 1,944,810 Rogers Jan. 23, 1934 2,029,460 Brady Feb. 4, 1936 2,165,959 Christianson July 11, 1939' 2,284,880 Nicholson June 2, 1942. 2,376,403 Thompson May 22, 1945 2,391,003 Bowman Dec. 18, 1945 2,403,470 Tull July 9, 1946 2,462,019 Bowman Feb. 15, 1949 

